11.   The UN Security Council has demanded that Baghdad comply with UN resolutions calling for it to destroy its weapons of mass destruction and recognise Kuwaiti sovereignty.

12.   Nonetheless, the United States demands that Iraq formally recognize Kuwaiti sovereignty and the international border between the two countries.

13.   On Thursday night, Baghdad said it was ready to recognize Kuwaiti sovereignty and the border set by the United Nations after the Kozyrev-Saddam meeting.

14.   Russia and Iraq made a joint announcement Thursday that Baghdad would recognize Kuwaiti sovereignty and Moscow would work towards the gradual lifting of international sanctions.

15.   The Iraqi news agency made no direct reference to an official recognition of Kuwaiti sovereignty by Baghdad.